Beginning Monday, Sept. 21, free asymptomatic COVID-19 testing will be available in Wyandotte County. This expands testing eligibility at major testing sites in Wyandotte County, which was previously limited to people with symptoms or people who had been exposed to COVID-19.

The Unified Government Public Health Department (UGPHD) collaborated with Vibrant Health, Swope Health, and the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force to adjust the testing eligibility. This change comes in response to the most recent testing numbers in Wyandotte County as well as current data on asymptomatic spread of the virus.

Vibrant Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kelly Kreisler, said, “Asymptomatic testing is a crucial step toward controlling the spread of COVID-19. We’re happy to now offer this critical service to our community.”

Dr. Jennifer Frost, Interim Chief Medical Officer with Swope Health said, “The only way to prevent transmission of COVID-19 is by separating people who are infected from those who are not. Because many people with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, we need to expand testing to the asymptomatic population.”

“We’ve seen our county’s testing numbers going down, but we still are still one of the communities hardest hit by COVID-19 in the metro. This is a major step forward in our ability to test more members of our Wyandotte County community and get a clearer picture of where and how the virus is spreading,” said Juliann Van Liew, Director of the Unified Government Public Health Department. “We know that people can still be infectious even if they don’t have symptoms or their symptoms haven’t started yet. If we can identify people who are asymptomatic but still carrying the virus, we can more effectively stop the spread of COVID-19 in Wyandotte County and beyond.”

Residents can get tested regardless of symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 at:

The Unified Government Public Health Department (UGPHD), 619 Ann Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101

This is for people who live or work in Wyandotte County. Please note: the UGPHD may be moving to a new testing site later this fall. More information coming soon.

Community “pop-up” testing sites around Wyandotte County, which are coordinated by Vibrant Health, Swope Health, and the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force. Upcoming events include:

–          Judson Baptist Church, 8300 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112

• Wednesdays, Sept. 23rd, and 30th, 11 AM – 2 PM

–          Vibrant Health Argentine Location, 1428 S 32nd St, Kansas City, KS 66106

• Thursday, Sept. 24th, 5 – 7 PM

–          Faith Deliverance Family Worship Center, 3043 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102

• Saturday, Sept. 19th, 9 AM – 12 PM
• Thursday, Sept. 24th, 10 AM – 1 PM

–          Oak Ridge Baptist Church, 9301 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66112

• Mondays, Sept. 21st and 28th, 8 – 11 AM

–          All Saints Parish, 811 Vermont Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101

• Tuesdays, Sept. 22nd and 29th, 8 – 11 AM

–          La Fe en Jesucristo, 1500 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102

• Saturday, Sept. 26th, 9 AM – 12 PM

When to get tested:

Asymptomatic Individuals with No Known Exposure to COVID-19:

Anyone in Wyandotte County can now be tested for COVID-19, regardless of symptoms or exposure. The type of test used and the testing process works the same way as someone getting tested who has symptoms or has been exposed. Asymptomatic individuals who want to get tested for COVID-19 can get tested at any time.

Symptomatic Individuals:

Testing will still be provided for people with symptoms. The UGPHD recommends that people come in for testing within 48 hours of their symptoms starting for best results. Even if it has been longer than 48 hours, the UGPHD still strongly recommends that you get tested. Symptoms include: Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, headache, muscle or body aches, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, rash, fatigue, new loss of taste or smell.

Asymptomatic Individuals with a Known Exposure to COVID-19:

People who have been exposed to COVID-19 but who are not experiencing symptoms should follow special instructions before coming in to get tested:

–          Quarantine at home for 14 days after exposure. You should complete your 14 day quarantine even if you get a negative COVID-19 test. This is because it can take up to 14 days for COVID-19 illness to start, so you could still potentially develop COVID-19 after your negative test.

• “Exposure” means close contact within 6 feet for 10 minutes with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

–          Get tested 7-9 days after exposure for best results

• Please wait at least 5 days after exposure to get tested. Test results are most reliable in the 7-9 day post-exposure window. If you come in too early after exposure, COVID may not show up on a test yet.

UGPHD testing and pop-up testing may be delayed or closed due to inclement weather. Check for updates on the UGPHD social media pages:

Facebook.com/UGHealthDept

Twitter.com/UGHealthDept

Learn more about COVID-19 testing and other Wyandotte County COVID-19 information at wycokck.org/COVID-19 or by calling 3-1-1.